THE BEST BEACHES IN PEMBROKESHIRE
At the New Inn Caravan Park, you are literally on the doorstep of Amroth beach; a prestigious Blue Flag awarded beach. But what if you want to go exploring further afield?? You'll soon realise that in Pembrokeshire, there are two evergreen truths:
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You can’t really go wrong with any beaches along the coastline. There's a reason it's a national park!!
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The "best" beach is often the one you arrive at when the tide’s right, the wind’s kind, and you’ve remembered snacks.
What follows is a mix of the famous showstoppers and the quieter coves for when you want the sound of waves and not much else. A few practical notes as we go: lots of the hidden spots involve steep paths, slippery steps, and tide-dependent cut-throughs—so treat the coast with respect, check conditions, and don’t be shy about turning back and waiting for better conditions.
THE HEADLINE ACTS (ICONIC BEACHES YOU GENUINELY SHOULDN’T SKIP)
BARAFUNDLE BAY (NEAR STACKPOLE)
Yes, it’s popular. Yes, it’s worth it. Barafundle is the “postcard beach” for a reason—bright sand, clear water on calm days, and that feeling of arriving somewhere special. My local tip: go early or go late, and you’ll understand why people fall in love with Pembrokeshire in the first place.
WHITESANDS BAY (ST DAVIDS)
A big, open beach with proper Atlantic energy. It’s brilliant when you want space, surf, and a wild skyline. If you’re visiting St Davids, this is the classic “finish the day with salty hair and chips” option.
FRESHWATER WEST (CASTLEMARTIN AREA)
Brooding, cinematic, and often gloriously windy. This is where you come for drama—rolling surf, huge skies, and walks that clear your head. If you’re not a confident sea swimmer, this is often better as a walk-and-watch beach than a dip-and-dawdle one.
TENBY’S BEACHES (NORTH / SOUTH / CASTLE)
Tenby is busier, but it’s busy for good reasons: colourful town, easy access, and beaches that suit different moods. I like Castle Beach when the tide’s out and you can wander and poke about; North Beach is a classic “sandcastle and paddle” stretch.
HIDDEN GEMS ON THE NORTH PEMBROKESHIRE COAST (QUIETER, WILDER, A BIT MORE “LOCALS’ COAST”)
TRAETH LLYFN (BETWEEN PORTHGAIN AND ABEREIDDY)
If you want “secluded cove with towering cliffs” energy, this is the one I’m quietly obsessed with. It’s only reachable from the coast path and involves a very steep descent via metal steps—worth it, but not one for flip-flops or wobbly knees.
Guide’s tip: bring a warm layer even in summer; shaded coves can feel surprisingly cool.
CWM-YR-EGLWYS (NEAR NEWPORT / DINAS ISLAND)
A small, sheltered cove with a story. Up above, you’ll spot the remains of a chapel—storm history is written into this coastline. It’s also a lovely place for gentle rockpooling and a calmer sea on kinder days.
PWLLGWAELOD (DINAS HEAD)
Not “secret,” exactly, but it often feels calmer than the big-name beaches. I like pairing it with the Dinas Head walk and finishing with a sit by the water when your legs are pleasantly tired. (Sunset here can be properly unfair on the rest of the world.)
NEWPORT SANDS / TRAETH MAWR
When someone tells me they want a beach that’s easy, spacious, and good for a long walk, I point them here. It’s literally nicknamed “Traeth Mawr” (Big Beach) and it lives up to it—nearly a mile of sand when conditions are right.
CEIBWR BAY (NEAR MOYLGROVE)
This one’s more “wild viewing platform” than “lounger and a paperback.” Think rugged beauty, wildlife-spotting potential, and that satisfying feeling of being somewhere untidy and real. It’s also near the famous “Witches Cauldron” collapsed-cave feature people come to gawp at.
ST DAVIDS PENINSULA & THE WEST: COVES, CLIFF PATHS, AND BEACHES THAT FEEL LIKE DISCOVERIES
MARLOES SANDS (AND THE STRETCH TOWARD MARTIN’S HAVEN)
Marloes is one of my favourite “big-sky” beaches—wide, gorgeous, and backed by coastline that’s excellent for wandering. The coast here is also known for wildlife (seals and seabirds are common headline sightings), so keep binoculars in the car if you’ve got them.
Local rhythm: I’ll often do a short section of the coast path, drop onto the sand, then loop back—simple, satisfying, and it makes lunch taste better.
MUSSELWICK (NEAR MARLOES)
A proper little adventure beach. It’s quieter, a bit tucked away, and feels like something you’ve “earned” by walking there. It’s the kind of place where you sit down and suddenly realise you’ve been listening to the sea for ten minutes straight.
WATWICK BAY (NEAR DALE)
If you’re staying around Dale, this is a lovely alternative to the busier bits. It’s one of those beaches that seems to quietly get on with being beautiful while everyone else queues for parking elsewhere.
PORTHSELAU & PORTHLYSGI (NEAR ST DAVIDS)
These are the handy little coves I recommend when someone wants a quick sea fix near town without committing to a big beach day. They’re also great “early morning” beaches—thermos coffee, quick stroll, back for breakfast.
SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE FAVOURITES (A MIX OF EASY DAYS AND SECRET CORNERS)
BROAD HAVEN SOUTH
This is one of those beaches that feels like a reward: big sand, dunes, and space to spread out. It’s a solid choice when you want a proper beach day rather than a quick visit. (It also pairs nicely with Barafundle if you’re doing a south-coast mini tour.)
SKRINKLE HAVEN / MANORBIER SIDE (FOR THE EXPLORERS)
Around here you’ll find smaller bays that are amazing at the right tide—often quieter than Tenby, with a more “hidden cove” feel. These are the ones I suggest when someone tells me they’ve done the postcards and now want the places that feel a little less obvious.
GUIDE FOR ENJOYING THE HIDDEN ONES
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Work with the tide, not against it. Some coves shrink fast or become awkward exits—if you’re unsure, treat the sea like it’s in charge (because it is).
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Bring grippy shoes. If there are steps, algae, or damp rock, you’ll be glad you did—Traeth Llyfn in particular is steep on the way down.
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Pack out what you pack in. The quiet coves stay magical because people look after them.
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Pick your beach to match your day. Windy? Choose sheltered coves like Cwm-yr-Eglwys. Want drama? Freshwater West. Want easy and wide? Newport Sands / Traeth Mawr.
